Elaine Schoff's Hot Fudge Sauce

Stephanie @ 17yrs old - Graduation Photo

When I turned 15 years old, all hell broke out in our household! I became quite unruly and as a first semester Junior at Yorktown High School, I thought I was my own boss! I found boys, and fun. As a result of NOT attending classes, bad grades and other such things....my dad, who was a middle school principal in a neighboring school district, pulled me from my existing high school and dragged me daily 25 minutes away. That is how I ended up attending Pleasantville High School for the next 18 months.

I think I was in the school for all of 15 minutes when I met the most friendly and wonderful friend, KJ. She was a senior but took me under her wing and showed me the spots to smoke and who not to get too close too. Quickly, I started spending my nights and weekends at her house or she would be at mine. She had a car and was always able to give me a ride home.

It was during that time, that I met KJ's parents. Al and Elaine. They were so nice but then again... I was not their kid!! Elaine was a home body, she cooked all their meals from scratch, grew all their own vegetables and fruits etc. I was so impressed and loved watching her cook. One day after dinner, KJ asked what was for dessert. Elaine said she had none but had ice cream and would make some hot fudge to go over it. KJ was delighted and so was I after tasting it.

Elaine's Hot Fudge Recipe:

1/2 cup cocoa
1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup light cream or evaporated milk
1/4 tsp salt
3 tbsp butter
1tsp vanilla

Combine all the ingredients EXCEPT the vanilla into a saucepan. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until it comes to a full rolling boil. Boil briskly for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat stir in the vanilla and serve warm over ice cream, cake or anything you want!

This sauce can be stored in a glass container in the refrigerator for a long time. To reheat, place the glass jar in a pot with water and bring to HOT not boiling or until the mixture thins and is pourable.

Dave likes his banana splits at night so I bought the boat shaped dishes and make this sauce along with the ice cream and fresh fruit. Boy is it a hit!!!

Stephanie with Elaine and KJ in April 2009

Elaine lives in Jeffersonville, Indiana today near both her daughters, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Al has passed on but not my memories of him! Every time I travel I-70 towards the East Coast, I look up both Elaine and KJ, still friends 40+ years later!! I was lucky enough to see them this past summer again.

 Love you Elaine and KJ - thanks for all the memories!